there are two largish preserves in north stonington that i had yet to explore, and they’re quite near each other, so i decided to do them both in one day. this was the first. i know the name sounds vaguely like a third reich fortification or something, but i am told it was originally a girl scout camp. there are even a few buildings left, including a very nice pavilion with picnic tables, and a shed and an outhouse (which i did not explore.)

carrion beetle

i would not have given this creature a second look if not for the fact that mary holland had just posted about them on her blog, naturally curious. it’s an american carrion beetle, or necrophilia americanus. isn’t that the best latin name you’ve ever seen? i think it’s awesome. i’m pretty sure it’s feeding on an old mushroom cap here.

old root cellar

the entrance to this property shares a driveway with a private property owner, and this old root cellar is on private land. doesn’t mean you can’t take a quick peek inside, though.

old water pump

another remnant of the defunct camp, an old water pump. i didn’t try it, but i imagine it still works. they built things to last in the old days.

signage

the signage on this avalonia land conservancy property is excellent! the trails are all blue-blazed, but they all have names, too.

poet’s bench

here is the poet’s bench. i dont know who the poet is/was. it is beside the wyassup brook, which, like all the watercourses in the area right now, is very, very low. barely a trickle in places. but still gamely flowing.

the pavilion

here is the pavilion. it’s in very good condition. a nice spot for lunch.

wyassup brook

here is the wyassup brook from the aptly-named brook loop trail. it looks as if there is or was considerable beaver activity in the area at one time, and the brook has turned into a pretty impressive beaver pond through here.